Ben Gurion Airport quickly recovered from an emergency today (Sunday) when it resumed operations at 7:00 AM, just hours after a complete airspace closure due to security tensions on the northern border.
In a statement to the media, Udi Bar Oz, the director of Ben Gurion Airport, said, “We are operating according to ongoing situation assessments. Despite the busy day, we expect most flights to depart as planned. Our teams are working around the clock to ensure the fastest possible return to full operations.”
To minimize the disruptions caused to the flight schedule, Minister of Transportation Miri Regev instructed the Israel Airports Authority to allow flights during the nighttime curfew, as first reported by Channel 12 News. This measure is expected to significantly ease the congestion and help restore the schedule.
Israeli airlines responded swiftly to the situation. El Al and Arkia reported a gradual return to operations, making necessary adjustments to the schedule. The airlines advise passengers to stay updated on their websites and the Israel Airports Authority website for the latest departure times.
Israir announced that it is working diligently to find quick solutions for passengers, addressing challenges arising from foreign crews’ reluctance to come to Israel. The airline emphasized its efforts to quickly return to normal operations and find solutions for delayed passengers.
Despite efforts to quickly return to routine, several foreign airlines, including Wizz Air, Aegean, Air France, Etihad, Royal Jordanian, Transavia, and Corendon Airlines, announced the cancellation of their flights to Israel today, likely due to the tense security situation.
As part of the efforts to manage the situation, Ramon Airport in southern Israel was activated as an immediate backup for receiving flights. Several El Al flights that were scheduled to land at Ben Gurion were diverted to Ramon Airport, including flights from Milan, Phuket, Bangkok, and Barcelona.
At the same time, enhanced public transportation services to Ben Gurion Airport were deployed to facilitate passenger movement, and airport service teams were reinforced to assist travelers and provide updated information.
Despite ongoing challenges, the concerted efforts of all involved parties ensure the quickest possible return to a full flight schedule. The public is advised to continue checking for updates on flight status but can be assured that every effort is being made to maintain regular air traffic to and from Israel.
